MCMC to test new disaster alert system on Nov 19, your phone may sound an alarm

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will carry out a live test of its new Cell Broadcast System on 19 November. The national disaster warning system is now in its final phase of development, and is designed to push emergency alerts straight to mobile phones in areas at risk.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the system can send warnings directly to phones without needing the recipient’s phone number, SMS services or even an internet connection. Instead, alerts are transmitted through mobile networks to compatible devices within a designated area, regardless of which telco the user is with.

As reported by New Straits Times (NST), a special government message may pop up on your phone screen on 19 November, warning of an impending natural disaster near your area and advising you to evacuate immediately to the nearest shelter. Don’t be alarmed, though, as it’s only a test, so there’s no need to take any action.

On top of that, the system is being developed with accessibility in mind. The Communications Ministry said it is designed to support alerts through vibrations and audio using the accessibility functions on compatible phones, including screen readers and voice output. This should help people with visual or hearing disabilities, as well as those who have difficulty reading, receive and understand emergency information.

That said, the system does have its limits. While it can still work when internet services are disrupted during a disaster, a complete mobile network outage in an area would prevent alerts from being delivered until service is restored. To address this, the ministry said a network recovery plan coordinated with disaster management agencies, service providers and other stakeholders will support the restoration of affected network facilities.

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